In the Hamburg The Bundestag’s decision to ban nitrous oxide for minors, which will also apply nationwide in the future, was approved. A related regulation was issued in the Hanseatic city at the beginning of this year, said a spokesman for the social authority of the German Press Agency in Hamburg. “We therefore very much welcome the fact that there should now be comprehensive national regulations.”
Hallucinations, unconsciousness and nerve damage
That Bundestag passed a law Thursday night that prohibits acquisition and possession by minors. Online trading and purchases at self-service machines are even completely prohibited. If the Federal Council now also approves it, the regulations could take effect in the spring.
Nitrous oxide, or nitrous oxide (N2O), has been a party drug for some time. The euphoric substance used in medicine as a mild anesthetic is inhaled through a balloon. However, this can cause hallucinations and loss of consciousness, and in the long term risks permanent nerve damage.
Hamburg’s city sanitation department also supported the Bundestag’s decision to ban the use of nitrous oxide for minors. “We support any initiatives that limit the consumption of nitrous oxide as well as the disposal of dangerous high-pressure containers,” a company spokesperson told dpa.
Containers can explode in waste incineration plants
The controversial drug is dangerous to facilities because the nitrous oxide vial is under pressure and can explode when hot if it has not been completely emptied.
This has had a major impact on the city’s waste incineration plants. “Incorrect disposal of nitrous oxide bottles still poses a significant risk to the operation of our incineration lines and the safety of our employees at recycling plants.”
Campaign: Empty cartridges in yellow bags or recycling centers
Nitrous oxide cartridges have exploded several times this year at city cleanup facilities. This caused several hundred hours of downtime. Additionally, the explosion of a nitrous oxide container causes a lot of damage. The city’s cleaning service spoke of damage running into the millions.
In May, the municipal corporation launched a campaign to draw attention to the issue. Please: Please dispose of the nitrous oxide cartridge in a yellow bag or at a recycling center – and empty it completely. These gas bottles are not included in general waste baskets or general waste.
The sale of laughing gas to minors has been banned in Hamburg since 2025
Nitrous oxide has become a popular party drug in recent years, especially among minors. This gas is inhaled in quite large quantities, but poses significant health risks. The sale of laughing gas to minors has been banned in Hamburg since January 1.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251114-930-291551/1
